Compare Cycle the Coast of Kerala by Exodus Travels vs Essential of South India by Payless Tours India
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 1,950 | $ 1,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 121 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners included. Lunches on riding days are usually taken in roadside cafes, allowing us to sample typical south Indian dishes such as poori (deep-fried bread served with curry) and dosa (thin pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter). South Indian food is heavily influenced by the tropical landscape; creamy coconut dishes enlivened with delicate spices, served on a banana leaf. It’s also an ideal destination if you are vegetarian. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap but a (large) bottle of beer is approximately 410 rupees (US$5). Please note, due to Kerala state laws, alcohol licenses are limited to one or two bars in each area and not all hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. The first day of every month and certain holidays in India are dry days, when no alcohol is permitted for sale. Generally, you can eat out very cheaply in India. Where food is not included, you should allow at least 1,650 rupees (approximately US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Drinking water is provided in the support vehicle, where you can fill your bottle from the containers. | N/A |
| Description |
Kerala is an excellent place to explore by bike; a true paradise with an idyllic coastline, tranquil backwaters, colourful temples and old stone churches. It’s not surprising it is often called God’s own country. Offering a gentler experience than the often-frenetic north, Kerala is great for a first-time bike trip or your first visit to India. From the old spice port of Cochin to the laid-back beach town of Varkala, we gently cycle through beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and colourful fishing villages, sampling superb south Indian cuisine along the way. A night in a village homestay provides a unique insight into the warm Keralan hospitality, and we cruise the Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat before relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Varkala.Enjoy gentle cycling along the tropical Keralan coastline |
The tour focuses on showing you the greenest and the most idyllic Kerala state and famous for one of its kind Southern temples in Tamil Nadu. During this tour will have an opportunity to explore not only beautiful and interesting monuments and places in Tamil Nadu but also stay close to wonderful nature of Kerela state. The tour includes paradise boat ride at Kerala backwaters, sightseeing amazing tea plantations in Munnar and far more attractions which will broaden your mind and knowledge about the south of India. In Tamil Nadu visit UNESCO colourful Dravidian temples and spend some time in French colony town Pondicherry located at Indian Ocean. |
Day 1 Start Cochin
The trip starts at the hotel in Cochin. Once the group has gathered, we can test and fit our bikes, ready for the adventures ahead. Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Explore Cochin by bike and on foot
Today is a good opportunity to get used to the bikes, exploring the historic town of Cochin (also known as Kochi) by bike and on foot. The Portuguese established a base here, followed by the Dutch, who were forced to hand it over to the British in 1841. With a multicultural heritage, it is now the bustling commercial capital of Kerala. Warehouses are still filled with the smell of tea and spices pop in bright green, yellow and blue; rickety bikes and hand-painted trucks piled high with goods fill the narrow streets and food stalls stand on every corner. Most of the major sights are in the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry neighbourhoods. We'll visit St Francis Church, which is close to the hotel. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, it was where explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried. We then head to the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568, it was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi before the Dutch took it over. Close to the palace is Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for the Jewish members of the local trading communities, it is adorned with hand-painted tiles from China and elegant Belgian chandeliers, all donations from wealthy merchants. The area around the synagogue, called Jew Street, is a heritage zone with many antique and handicraft shops. The fish market near the Chinese fishing nets is also worth a visit. Cochin is also the centre for Keralan arts, so this evening we'll enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a form of religious dance and play unique to Kerala. Accommodation: Casino Hotel (or similar) Maximum elevation: 174ft (53m)
Day 3 Cycle to Muhamma, past old Portuguese villas and through fishing villages
Riding out of Fort Kochi, we pass 500-year-old Portuguese villas, a striking contrast to the tiny fishermen’s huts dotted along the beach road, with their wooden boats pulled under the palm trees and nets hung out to dry. Many of these fishing villages are Christian. At Arthungal, we can rest under the shade of the coconut trees, sip tea and admire the view of the old stone church. Continuing along the coastal road, we make our way towards the backwaters of Muhamma. Kerala is renowned for its backwaters: a network of canals and lakes that we cruise on a traditional rice barge later on in the trip. Tonight, we stay in a backwater resort overlooking Vambanad Lake. The veranda and the gardens are excellent spots for relaxing, while backwater life unfurls before us. Accommodation: Deshadan Backwater Resort (or similar) Maximum elevation: 89ft (27m)
Day 4 Continue riding along the coast to a backwater village in the Alleppey region
We continue along the coastal road towards Alleppey, another start point for the backwater trips. Our ride takes us through Kainakary village, eventually reaching Chennamkary, a traditional village in the Kuttanad backwater region of Alleppey. We spend the evening here in a homestay, arriving in time for lunch. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience warm Keralan hospitality. We enjoy a cooking demonstration in the evening, followed by dinner. Accommodation: Gabby World Community Homestay (or similar) Maximum elevation: 85ft (26m)
Day 5 Optional morning village ride; board houseboat
We have a laid-back morning. You can either relax at the homestay or go on an optional short bike ride to explore the village. At midday, we board our houseboat for a backwater cruise to Trikunnapuzha. These converted rice barges consist of two-berth cabins with en suite bathrooms and are equipped with their own cook; depending on your group size, you may be divided over two to three boats. We stack our bikes on the side of the boat (we'll be saddle free for the next 19 hours), a chance to unwind as we watch the world pass. Vessels of all sizes use the network of canals and lakes, with smaller boats ferrying passengers and goods between tiny hamlets on narrow spits of land. On one side of the canal, we see vast paddy fields, and on the other side are fishing nets and coconut trees. As the sun begins to set, the boats are moored together and we gather on the deck for sundowners and dinner. Accommodation: Houseboat Maximum elevation: 69ft (21m)
Day 6 Disembark houseboat; cliff-top ride to the laid-back beach town of Varkala
Breakfast is taken on the houseboat before we disembark. We then enjoy a cliff-top ride to the laid-back beach town of Varkala. We set off along a quiet coastal road to Karunagapally, passing by Amrithanadamayi Ashram, better known as the Hugging Mama Ashram, a spiritual retreat overlooking the backwaters. We stop for lunch en route before spending the next two nights at Varkala, staying close to one of the best beaches in India. With coffee bars, shops and yoga schools perched along the red sandstone cliff-top, this town is an excellent place to chill. Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar) Maximum elevation: 75ft (23m)
Day 7 Short morning ride to the surrounding coastal area; afternoon free to relax and enjoy Varkala
After breakfast, we enjoy a small morning ride to explore the surrounding coastal areas. Returning to the hotel by lunch, there is time to enjoy the beach-side location and perhaps try one of the beach shack restaurants, which serve excellent seafood. We recommend trying tandoori dishes, the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to the breads and curries. Tonight, there is the option to enjoy a final group dinner at the hotel restaurant, which serves a variety of Keralan dishes. Accommodation: Sajjoys Hotel (or similar) Maximum elevation: 558ft (170m)
Day 8 End Varkala
The trip ends after check-out. Start your return journey home or, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1: Cochin
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel – early check-in. After refreshing and rest sightseeing Cochin - a town famous for its spices and seafood. Visiting the Dutch Palace and Jewish synagogue. Visit the Church of St. Thomas - the place where Vasco da Gamma was buried. Then at the sunset walk in the port where you can admire the fishermen preparing the nets for fishing. Night at a hotel in Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin- Alleppey
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, where we will have a luxury cruise by houseboat made only of natural materials in the famous Kerala backwaters, during which one will have an opportunity to admire the natural beauty of Kerala, relax and photograph the everyday life of the villagers. During the cruise, we will taste the houseboat chef's dishes. Overnight at the boat.
Day 3: Alleppey – Kochi
After breakfast, drive to Kochi from Alleppey. Check-in the hotel and relax. In the evening the Kathakali show is planned. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast and check-out from the boat, drive to Munnar which is a picturesque mountain village located among tea fields. You can enjoy wonderful views and feel the unique atmosphere of the town. You will visit a tea plantation and the "Tata museum" tea museum. In the evening, a show of martial arts characteristics of Kerala is planned. Overnight in a hotel in Munnar.
Day 5: Munnar to Kodaikanal via Thekkady
After breakfast travel to Kodaikanal which is situated on the southern crust of the Palani Hills. The town is cantered around star shaper Kodai lake. You can admire picturesque hills and waterfalls. After sightseeing check in the hotel and do sightseeing in the places like The Lake, Solar Physical Observatory, Pillar Rocks, and Bryant Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Kodaikanal - Madurai
After breakfast and some sightseeing with the driver drive to Madurai.
Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple in the evening - a complex dedicated to Shiva and his wife, which is characterized by a wealth of sculptures and decorations, and a multitude of pillars. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 7: Madurai – Thanjavur
Early visit to Meenakshi temple. After breakfast travel to Thanjavur, where we will visit a set of unique temples that are on the UNESCO list. There is a sanctuary, which is covered by a monolithic dome built of a single block of granite weighing 80 tons, which was pulled to the top of the building with the help of a 6 km long ramp, using the ancient technique of building the pyramids used by the Egyptians. Wonderful bronze handicrafts make Thanjavur one of the highlights of a trip around South India. In the afternoon, visiting the Thanjavur Palace Complex with interesting exhibitions and a library. Night in Thanjavur.
Day 8: Thanjavur – Pondicherry
After breakfast travel to Pondicherry. Check-in the hotel. Leisure time in the town. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Puducherry
After breakfast visit the capital of the former French colony, the Sri Aurobindo ashram and the temple of the god Ganesha where you can see not only various rituals and representations of the god Ganesha but also a live elephant who blesses the people visiting the temple with its trumpet. In the evening, walk the boulevard of the rising moon along the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel
Day 10: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram. The city is famous thanks to its seven pagodas. On the local waterfront, there is a group of ancients from the 7th century, carved in rock caves and monolithic sanctuaries representing the architectural style of Drawi. The monument has been inscribed on the UNESCO list. Particularly noteworthy are the huge reliefs, considered the most perfect example of the Palladian art. The most famous is the relief of Penance Bhagirathy, known as the Ganges Ride from Heaven. The picturesque Shore Temple was built in honor of Vishnu nearby. A night at the hotel.
Day 11: Mahabalipuram
After breakfast do local sightseeing of Tiger’s cave which is situated 4 km from Mahabalipuram center – the spectacular mandap contains a shrine which is solely dedicated to goddess Durga
At your request, you can also do some sightseeing at the Crocodile Bank. The place holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles. Overnight at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 12: Chennai – Mumbai
After breakfast travel to Chennai.
Drop off at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Mumbai
After breakfast meets the guide and set off on a local full day sightseeing by car.
First, you will see the famous Elafanta caves (UNESCO LIST) which you will reach by boat. After that, you will be taken for sightseeing of the Gateway of India with the view of the Hotel Taj. Leisure time in Colaba Street for shopping and drive to famous Marine drive. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14: Mumbai
After breakfast, you will hotel check the hotel out and meet the guide. Set off on local sightseeing. You will see the other wonderful places in Mumbai: the University of Mumbai with Raja Bai Clock Tower, Saint Thomas Cathedral, The Mumbai High Court, Kala Goda, and Fountain Flora. Lunch break and after that you will be taken for sightseeing of a wonderful railway station on UNESCO list called Victoria station - Sivaji Maharaja Terminus Next you will be taken to the Haji Al Mosque which is situated on the island.
Drop off at the International Airport 2 or 3 hours before the flight.
